Useful Temptation 有益的试探

[Dexu Xia]

Useful Temptation

Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21

Fifteenth-century monk Thomas à Kempis, in the beloved classic The Imitation of Christ, offers a perspective on temptation that might be a bit surprising. Instead of focusing on the pain and difficulties temptation can lead to, he writes, “[temptations] are useful because they can make us humble, they can cleanse us, and they can teach us.” Kempis explains, “The key to victory is true humility and patience; in them we overcome the enemy.”

Humility and patience. How different my walk with Christ would be if that were how I naturally responded to temptation! More often, I react with shame, frustration, and impatient attempts to get rid of the struggle.

But, as we learn from James 1, the temptations and trials we face don’t have to be without purpose or merely a threat we endure. Although giving in to temptation can bring heartbreak and devastation (vv. 13–15), when we turn to God with humble hearts seeking His wisdom and grace, we find He “gives generously to all without finding fault” (v. 5). Through His power in us, our trials and struggles to resist sin build perseverance, “so that [we] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4).

As we trust in Jesus, there’s no reason to live in fear. As God’s dearly loved children, we can find peace as we rest in His loving arms even as we face temptation.

How might an attitude of humility and patience change how you respond to a current temptation or struggle? How is it freeing?

Jesus, I’m saddened when I realize how often I try to face life’s temptations and struggles on my own—as if I’m self-sufficient, as if I don’t need You. Thank You for Your unending love and patience with me

有益的试探

存温柔的心领受那所栽种的道，就是能救你们灵魂的道。—雅各书1章21节

十五世纪的修士金碧士（Thomas à Kempis）在《效法基督》这本广受喜爱的经典文集里，提出一个关于试探的观点，这观点也许会令人感到诧异。他并未强调试探可能会带来的痛苦与困难，反倒认为试探是有益的，因为它使我们谦卑，能洁净及教导我们。金碧士还指出：“胜过试探的关键在于真正的谦卑与忍耐，藉此我们能胜过仇敌。”

谦卑与忍耐。如果这是我面对试探的自然反应，那么我与基督同行的路必定截然不同！很多时候，我的反应是羞愧、沮丧与缺乏耐心，试图要挣脱试探。

但我们从雅各书1章学到，我们遇到的试探与试炼不是毫无目的或仅是构成某种威胁。虽然屈服于试探会带来伤心与毁坏（13-15节），但我们回转归向上帝，谦卑地向祂寻求智慧与恩典，就会发现上帝“厚赐与众人、也不斥责人”（5节）。我们靠着祂赐下的力量面对试探与试炼，抵抗罪的诱惑，坚忍到底，那么我们才能“成全完备，毫无缺欠”（4节）。

我们信靠耶稣，便不必活在恐惧中。我们作为上帝所爱的孩子，即使面临试探，仍可倚靠上帝慈爱的臂膀而得到平安。

耶稣，我常试着靠自己去面对生活中的试探与挣扎，仿佛靠自己就已足够而不需要祢，求祢赦免我的骄傲，也谢谢祢对我无尽的爱与耐心。

当你面对试探或挣扎时，谦卑与忍耐的态度怎样改变你的回应？你如何藉此得到释放呢？